Last Monday I told Jeannine I had nothing for this month’s newsletter. But, you know that curve ball that life flings at you every so often. I got hit with this ball so hard it stunned me.

This month Celeste wrote on the virtues of a running partner and how this is one of the keys to joyful distance running. When I moved to CA nearly 17years ago, I met what I would call my “soul mate” running partner. We both worked at Waters Restaurant at night and would go running after work. We had the same pace and we were in sync with how little or how much we talked during different parts of the run. We were pretty fast back then. But, the only time we monitored was how long it took before Brittany removed her shirt because she got too hot. One time I think it was less than 2 minutes from the start.

We did our first Tri relay together and as I slapped her hand so she could start the bike, I promptly threw up all the Back Bay water I had swallowed in front of my new boyfriend and his kids. Miraculously he still married me.
We ran our first Mud Run together. The next year I had bronchitis and we took pictures and we were still faster than the previous year.

Then Britt decided to do a marathon and I tagged along. I was overweight and had knee problems but we trained together for what seemed like an unimaginable feat. During the training I couldn’t run our 18miler so I rode my bike next to her and my butt hurt like hell. We finished the San Diego marathon and I cried as we crossed the line together. We both vowed never to do anything like that again. She stuck to her promise, I did not.

One time we did a trail run together where her knees hurt on the downhill and my back on the uphill. I think we came in last but we were able to run the last mile together on the flat part! She signed us up for the muddy buddy in Temecula – it was 100 degrees and the last mile we had to walk because I had severe back pain. She never complained. We did our first adventure race together with Marc. We did not do our second with Marc because he got too crabby when he couldn’t figure out the kayak. We booted him off our team. When we see an older person run by we often joke about how we will be that way. One day a couple of girls were running next to us and we overheard them say, “She’s old – like 40 or something!” We realized that it’s all about perspective.

As my running has increased, Brittany has stayed true to word and stuck with 5k, 10k’s and ½’s. She had foot surgery and is a mom of a little girl so her running is measured. Our sacred time together has decreased but we try to grab moments in our busy lives. It’s our therapy time together.

We understand each others rhythms. She understands why the last mile doesn’t count. These are just a few of the countless memories. We make new commitments to rekindle a routine that is more consistent so we can continue our precious time.

This is where I tell you that it’s a treasure when you find a person that you can run, laugh and share with. I’ve been fortunate enough to find others over the years and for that I’m grateful.

This is where my monthly newsletter should end. But it doesn’t. My friend and running partner is about to partake in her own ultra marathon – figuratively. Last week she was diagnosed with a rare form of cervical cancer.

She started her ultra with surgery. She will have ups and downs in this race. But she has the most incredible support team to help her on her journey. She is strong and wonderful with a heart of an angel. I know she will make it to the finish line and once again be victorious. She is a true champion and like all the runs we’ve done together, she will dig deep to find the strength she needs to fight the battle. I hope that I’m able to give her the same love, laughter, joy and support that she bestows upon her friends. Brittany is an integral reason why I run and her motivation and inspiration is immeasurable.

James and Andrea along with several others had their first Mud Run experience. I have singled them out because neither thought this was something they could accomplish and wouldn’t you know it they both did it and had a fantastic time!

I ran with Cathy M and we were fortunate enough to see nearly everyone over the first mud pit wall. Michelle A ran with Marc and had an excellent first Mud Run time.

Bill also blazed a trail through the throngs of people to secure a great time. Bill S did his first and killed it – as usual! Tracy, Val, Jo Ann KS, all had a fun run and took pics along the way. Michelle and Trish from the 9am class also had their virgin Mud Run and did great getting over the wall on their own. Mary and Bill accompanied James on the second weekend

Mud Run

Jen DM joined Andrea and her hubby at the last minute for a laugh filled run. Greg placed 2nd overall – he was yapping to his competitor so next year, no yapping and a win!! Craig shot off and ran with his dad who placed first in his age group.

Overall we were left with some great memories, lots of dirty shoes and enjoyed a yummy brunch picnic afterwards. Cathy and I finished up with Debbie and her hubby! What a treat – they were a thrill to watch – they thought this was their best date ever and they laughed all the way! We got such a kick out of them holding hands through the mud and slush! Kathy and Erin also did Mud Run to round out a solid Rough-Fit showing at this years event. Well done guys!!

Next came the July 4th run

Miscellaneous

Dee doing her tri

She's practically flying!

Last but certainly not least: Bill S qualifies for Boston

Lindsey is training for a couple of marathons this fall and another tri.

Greg placed 8th overall in the national championships and is headed to Australia to compete for the US. He was 3rd in his age group.

Jen had a new 10k PR in the Cypress race and placed 4th in the women's. Her time – a stellar 36:06 even though the course was long. Her true 10k time for the accurate course was 35:28!

Yep – it’s crazy that this is already on the radar but it’s that time of year that we need to identify a location and start planning for this event. Due to the growth in Rough-Fit this year we would like to get an idea of how many of you think you might participate.

The date is either November 20th or 21st. Please can you check your calendars and give us an indication as to whether or not you will attend. We have an excellent opportunity to use a really neat location but we need to estimate numbers early. Last year the cost was $30pp and if we are able to use the location in mind the cost will stay exactly the same.

We'll be sending out a survey soon that will help us with numbers and also give us feedback on the structure. Traci N has given us some great ideas for an overhaul of the event and we’d like to make it even better than before!

Dee K

Dee joined Rough-Fit in October 2007. " I had given birth to my daughter 18 months earlier and was not happy with how out of shape I was.  I also wanted to drop 10 pounds to get to my pre-pregnancy weight."

What exercise did you do prior to joining?
Prior to having my daughter, I had always been very active, with a mix of yoga, spinning, swimming and other activities.  I became more of a sporadic exerciser after her birth and between working full time and taking care of her, felt exhausted most of the time.

What do you enjoy most about the program?
The group setting definitely motivates me and holds me accountable.  Plus working out with everyone in the class is enjoyable!

What is the most challenging part of the program for you?
The only time I can go is 6 a.m., and the early risings are torture sometimes, especially when I’ve been up in the night with my daughter or have had to work super late.

What progress have you made to date?
I definitely feel as fit as I did before I had a child, if not more so.  I’ve lost about 11 pounds, but more importantly, feel better about myself.   I also could barely run when I started (I certainly couldn’t run a full loop at the Sports Park without walking), and now I can run 3-4 miles without feeling like I’m going to throw up :-)

Have you learned anything about / made any changes to your nutrition?
I’ve always been fairly conscious of nutrition so I know when I’m eating poorly.  I try to eat more vegetables now, and am cooking at home more often.

How has this impacted your daily living and how are you different today vs. when you first started Rough-Fit?
When I regularly work out with Rough-Fit, I’m a happier, more satisfied person with a really positive outlook on the future.  Even my husband notices my energy level and can-do attitude on the days I work out.

Has it been easy to stay committed?
Not at first, but now that I’ve been coming for almost 2 years, it feels like part of my routine, and I would miss it if I didn’t have it.

What are your long term goals and how do you see Rough-Fit complimenting those?
I’ve done my first 5k in the past few months with Rough-Fit, and I’d like to work towards a 10k and then a half-marathon.  I know I need to stay this active to be content and experience the sense of well-being that working out gives me.  The fact that I get to do it with an inspirational leader and super fun people is a true blessing.

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Cindy S

Cindy joined Rough-Fit a year ago in September 2008. " I had just sold my business of 20 years and had taken care of my terminally ill mother for 6 months.  I had become quite aware of the physical and mental toll my mother's illness had taken on my body and I wanted to do something healthy for myself. I knew if I joined a group exercise program I would stay more motivated and consistent in getting in shape."

What exercise did you do prior to joining?
Nothing at the time.  I have always had a gym membership and have done personal trainers through the gym off and on, but never stayed consistent.

What do you enjoy most about the program?
I think what I enjoy most is the versatility of the workouts and being outdoors.  Also, I get a lot out of the incentive programs and find that they help keep me focused and aware of the importance of exercising for my mind as well as my body.  The group of people that are in Rough-Fit also add to my enjoyment of the program.

What is the most challenging part of the program for you?
I would have to say creating my own POG’s  and also completing the POG’s assigned to me when I participate in the incentive programs.  Allowing myself to make Rough-Fit and exercising an everyday part of my life and to not feel guilty about the time it takes away from my family has also been a challenge.

What progress have you made to date?
I have lost 14 pounds, ran two 10K’s and am training for my first ½ marathon, after having vowed when I first joined Rough-Fit that I would never be a runner!

Have you learned anything about / made any changes to your nutrition?
I have changed the types of food I eat.  I have never been an overeater believing therefore by not gaining weight I was doing okay. But I’ve learned to make much healthier choices in what I eat and have added even more fruits and vegetables to my diet and to my family’s.  I’ve also changed how I eat when I go to restaurants.  I try to make healthier choices on the menu and find that it’s still just as rewarding to eat out.

How has this impacted your daily living and how are you different today vs. when you first started Rough-Fit?
Today I feel I am of course in better shape physically, but without realizing it, I am also in better shape mentally.  I have slowed my life down and have learned to step back from the day to day stresses and live a calmer, more balanced lifestyle.  Rough-Fit has helped give me the physical and mental energy to be a better mom and wife.  My family has noticed the change as well, which is a very rewarding feeling.

Has it been easy to stay committed?
I think it has been very easy to stay committed mostly because I like to see the changes in myself, and I credit that to being in Rough-Fit.  It’s also easy to stay committed to the program because the trainers make the workouts different (and sometimes actually fun!) every time and each trainer has their own “unique” personality in how they train, therefore never making it boring.

What are your long term goals and how do you see Rough-Fit complimenting those?
I would say that my long term goal is to simply keep exercising and eat nutritiously as a daily part of my life so that I can remain healthy and continue to have the energy to do all the extracurricular activities I enjoy. I want to continue to be a positive role model for my family regarding exercise and nutrition and if I continue with Rough Fit I think those goals are easy enough to achieve.

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